In this wide-ranging episode, Rich and Kevin reflect on the erosion of democracy, the resignation of a Morehouse-educated admiral, and the growing weight of affordability as America’s defining political issue. The guys dig deep into how Trump’s authoritarian moves—from pardoning drug traffickers to ignoring military norms—are straining institutions. They also assess early 2026 Senate and gubernatorial matchups, lay out strategic recommendations for Democrats, and issue a clear call for year-round organizing, not just culture war commentary.

📍(06:59) — The Admiral Who Chose Integrity Over Orders
A Morehouse brother turned decorated admiral steps down rather than follow illegal directives under Trump—a powerful moment of moral clarity that underscores the stakes of a second Trump term.

📍(14:45) — The Constitution Ain’t Optional
Rich and Kevin break down how today’s Supreme Court and Department of Defense are eroding foundational norms, from redistricting to militarized drug enforcement, creating a political twilight zone headed into 2026.

📍(26:55) — Feeding Kids, Fixing Roads, Funding Hospitals
Democrats are gaining traction in deep-red districts with working-class messaging focused on affordability. The TN-07 race proves even Trump +22 areas can swing when the right issues are centered.

📍(34:45) — Joy Is a Tariff: The Holiday Struggle Is Real
The rising cost of living isn’t abstract—it’s affecting Christmas dinner and children's gifts. The guys dig into how affordability is eclipsing culture wars and redefining what voters really care about.

📍(49:09) — 2026 Watchlist: Governors, Fundraising & Filters
From Wes Moore’s challenges in Maryland to Jasmine Crockett’s potential Senate run in Texas, Rich and Kevin examine how Democrats must shed outdated electability filters and field candidates who reflect America’s full spectrum.

🏆 Mamba Mentality Award: Admiral Cedric T. Leighton
This week’s honor goes to the HBCU-educated admiral who put country over career. His refusal to obey illegal orders under Trump highlights what principled, patriotic leadership looks like—especially when it’s inconvenient. In a climate where cowardice is rewarded, his example is a beacon.

Fresh off Thanksgiving, Rich and Kevin return with reflections on food, family, and the fault lines in American politics. From celebrating Debbie Allen’s Barbie doll to unpacking a surprising swing in Tennessee’s congressional race, the duo explores how kitchen-table politics are driving real “Dem-mentum” heading into 2026. They tackle everything from Byron Donalds' MAGA antics to the very real policy stakes of Trump’s so-called “baby bonds.” This episode asks the hard question: can Democrats turn cultural clarity into electoral wins?

📍(03:25) — Debbie Allen Gets Her Flowers
The guys kick off the episode by celebrating Debbie Allen's Barbie debut and give a heartfelt tribute to her and her sister Phylicia Rashad. From Howard University to Broadway and beyond, their impact on generations of Black creatives is front and center.

📍(09:28) — “Dem-Mentum” in Tennessee?
Rich and Kevin break down the surprising 13-point swing in TN-07, where Aftyn Behn closed a Trump +22 gap to single digits. Her platform? Feeding kids, fixing roads, and funding hospitals. MAGA’s fearmongering failed—and Democrats may have found a formula.

📍(17:20) — Snap Back to Reality: GOP’s Hypocrisy Problem
With Trump snoozing through meetings and Byron Donalds calling him “Daddy,” Republicans are flailing. Meanwhile, they’ve got no healthcare plan, no focus on affordability—and no answers for voters beyond culture wars.

📍(33:43) — Black Governors on the Rise
A wave of Black gubernatorial candidates is taking shape across the country—from Wes Moore to Mandela Barnes, Jason Estevez, and possibly Jasmine Crockett. The guys explore what makes these bids historic and how internal party dynamics may hinder progress.

📍(48:28) — Can Democrats Translate Momentum Into Wins?
The episode closes with a hard truth: momentum isn’t destiny. To win 2026, Dems need strategy, organizing, recruitment, and year-round voter contact. If Tennessee is the blueprint, it’s time to scale it nationwide—and meet voters where they are.

🐍 Mamba Mentality Award: Debbie Allen & Phylicia Rashad
This week’s award goes to the legendary sisters who’ve shaped generations. From Debbie Allen’s Barbie honor to Phylicia Rashad’s trailblazing legacy in theater and TV, these women represent Black excellence, HBCU brilliance, and artistic mastery at its highest level.

It’s a Thanksgiving special with Big Rich and Kevin as the Southern Comfort crew reflects on the season of gratitude, political exits, and hopeful returns. From West Wing reruns to real-life strategy in the South, the duo dives into Marjorie Taylor Greene’s shock resignation, the fading MAGA grip, and Doug Jones’ bold return to the Alabama political stage. As always, they keep it personal, political, and deeply rooted in the South.

📍(00:41) — Thanksgiving Vibes & Favorite Holiday Plates
Rich and Kev kick things off with family traditions, brined turkeys, and muffin-style stuffing. They reflect on gratitude, downtime post-election, and their shared love of The West Wing as comfort food for political nerds.

📍(10:41) — The Big Turkey: Marjorie Taylor Greene Bows Out
Marjorie Taylor Greene announces her 2026 resignation, and the guys unpack what it means. Is it about the pension? Is she pulling a Palin? And why did Trump get ghosted before her statement dropped?

📍(22:14) — Doug Jones Returns: Alabama Rematch in the Making?
Doug Jones is back, this time eyeing the Governor’s Mansion. Rich and Kev walk through the 2017 race, lessons from Black voter mobilization, Tuberville’s cluelessness, and why this moment may be perfect for a comeback.

📍(35:00) — Building a Border State Coalition
From Mississippi to Georgia, the hosts lay out the path forward for Southern Democrats. The formula? Year-round organizing, meaningful investment, and candidates who actually care about their communities.

📍(42:34) — Kitchen Tables Over Culture Wars
Tuberville may dominate in football, but can he explain Medicaid expansion? The hosts double down on why governors are judged on delivery, not drama—and why Doug Jones knows how to win on the issues that matter.

🐍 No Greens at the Table Award
This week, the Mamba Mentality Award takes a break, and in its place, Rich and Kev talk about an anti-award for political cowardice: “The No Greens at the Table Award,” unofficially handed to Marjorie Taylor Greene. Despite her recent pivot to “kitchen table issues,” she chose to exit the fight when things got tough—leaving constituents and causes behind just as the real work begins.